At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead security and business assurance to protect assessment integrity and operational resilience.
- Company: Join Oxford University Press, a respected leader in education and English language teaching.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a generous pension contribution.
- Other info: Hybrid working policy with a minimum of 2 days in the Oxford office.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the future of English language assessment with innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in security management, risk assessment, and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Oxford University Press Assessment is seeking a strategic and collaborative Head of Security & Business Assurance to lead the development and continuous improvement of our security, risk, assurance, and operational resilience capabilities.
This role is central to protecting the integrity, confidentiality, availability, and trustworthiness of our assessment products, services, and operations.
Working across a complex and evolving global environment, you will help ensure we maintain public confidence, regulatory compliance, and robust operational performance while supporting innovation and growth.
As a senior leader, you will shape and deliver a comprehensive security and assurance framework that supports assessment integrity across the full assessment lifecycle.
You will oversee business assurance, risk management, incident response, business continuity, and crisis management activities, ensuring that effective controls, policies, and processes are embedded throughout the organisation.
Partnering closely with colleagues across Operations, Technology, Product, Privacy, Legal, Compliance, and external regulatory bodies, you will foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and informed decision-making.
You will provide oversight of assessment security, fraud prevention, and threat intelligence activities, helping the organisation stay ahead of emerging risks including AI-enabled malpractice, organised fraud, impersonation, and content misuse.
Through data, intelligence, and collaborative problem solving, you will support the identification, prevention, detection, and resolution of security incidents and vulnerabilities.
You will also work alongside technology and cyber security teams to ensure assessment-specific risks are understood and addressed through appropriate controls, tools, and investments.
The successful candidate will be an experienced leader in security, risk, assurance, or operational resilience, with the ability to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery.
They will be skilled at building trusted relationships, influencing stakeholders, and translating complex risks into clear actions and recommendations.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in safeguarding the integrity of assessment products and services, strengthening organisational resilience, and helping Oxford University Press continue to be recognised as a trusted leader in assessment and learning.
We operate a hybrid working policy that requires a minimum of 2 days per week in the Oxford office.
About You
- Expertise in a security management, Intelligence or organised crime detection role.
- Enterprise/ operational risk management.
- Expertise in incident management and investigations.
- Assurance control frameworks, and business continuity practices.
- Proficiency in using security tools and technologies.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills to engage with senior stakeholders.
- Certification in security management is a plus.
- Experience in operating in high integrity/regulated environments is desirable., English Language Teaching At Oxford University Press (OUP), we are on an ambitious journey to develop and grow our assessment business.
Backed by one of the most respected global names in education and English language teaching, our aim is to become a global leader in the field, delivering innovative, high-quality tests that set new standards in the industry.
Why this matters
The world of English language assessment is changing.
Digital transformation, AI-driven solutions, and evolving learner needs are redefining how tests are designed, delivered, and recognised.
We believe that this has created the opportunity for OUP to lead, innovate, and shape the next generation of English language testing at scale.
Why join now?
We are assembling a team of experts in assessment, product, technology, operations, research, and commercial growth to take this business to the next level.
This is your chance to
- make a real impact - you won't be joining a business that's maintaining the status quo.
You'll be shaping it.
Your expertise will directly influence strategy, innovation, and execution.
- lead transformation - we are creating something bold and ambitious, combining the strength of OUP's legacy with the agility of a high-growth business.
- innovate at the forefront of assessment - work with cutting-edge AI, digital testing, and next-generation assessment models to enhance how people learn and prove their English proficiency.
As a department of the University of Oxford, we are guided in everything we do by our mission; we re-invest in our publishing and our assessment to have a positive impact on our international community of English language learners.
We care about work/life balance here at OUP.
With this in mind we offer 25 days' holiday that rises with service, plus bank holidays and Christmas closure (3-days) and a 35-hour working week.
We are open to discussing flexibility in respect to working patterns, dependent on role.
We also have a great variety of active employee networks and societies.
We help make your money go further by contributing to your pension up to 12%, offering loans and savings schemes through our partnership with Salary Finance, in addition to travel to work schemes and access to a wide range of local discounts.
This role comes with the added benefit of private medical insurance and a management bonus.
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Head of Assessment Security and Business Assurance in Oxford employer: Oxford University Press
Oxford University Press Assessment is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive benefits including generous holiday allowances, flexible working arrangements, and a robust pension scheme, all while fostering a culture that values work-life balance and community engagement. Join us in shaping the future of English language assessment, where your expertise will directly influence strategy and innovation in a globally respected institution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Assessment Security and Business Assurance in Oxford
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Oxford University Press looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Assessment Security and Business Assurance in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Oxford University Press. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford University Press
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Oxford University Press’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
